Related Experiment Videos
Intrauterine growth retardation
R C Vandenbosche1, J T Kirchner
1Lancaster General Hospital, Pennsylvania, USA.
Insights
Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) affects fetal development, often due to poor maternal-fetal circulation. Early diagnosis and monitoring are key, with delivery typically recommended before 38 weeks for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Fetal Medicine
- Neonatology
Background:
- Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is defined as a fetal weight below the 10th percentile for gestational age.
- IUGR can lead to significant fetal morbidity and mortality if not diagnosed and managed promptly.
- Common causes include impaired maternal-fetal circulation, with less frequent causes being intrauterine infections and congenital anomalies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR).
- To outline the common and less common etiologies of IUGR.
- To discuss the management and prognosis of IUGR.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on intrauterine growth retardation.
- Analysis of diagnostic criteria for IUGR.
- Discussion of management strategies and prognostic factors for IUGR.
Main Results:
- IUGR is characterized by fetal weight below the 10th percentile for gestational age.
- Inadequate maternal-fetal circulation is the primary cause of IUGR.
- While some reversible causes exist, antenatal therapy is often not feasible.
Conclusions:
- Prompt diagnosis of IUGR is crucial for mitigating fetal risks.
- Management typically involves close fetal surveillance and delivery before 38 weeks.
- While some infants may experience long-term issues, the overall prognosis for most infants with IUGR is generally good.
Abstract:
Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), which is defined as less than 10 percent of predicted fetal weight for gestational age, may result in significant fetal morbidity and mortality if not properly diagnosed. The condition is most commonly caused by inadequate maternal-fetal circulation, with a resultant decrease in fetal growth. Less common causes include intrauterine infections such as cytomegalovirus and rubella, and congenital anomalies such as trisomy 21 and trisomy 18. When IUGR is recognized, it is important to attempt to correct reversible causes, although many of the conditions responsible for IUGR are not amenable to antenatal therapy. Close fetal surveillance with delivery before 38 weeks of gestation is usually recommended. Some infants born with IUGR have cognitive and medical problems, although for most infants the long-term prognosis is good.